This is the 35th in a daily series of in-depth evaluations on the top 40 prospects leading up to the 2012 NFL draft, which runs April 26-28. Today: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Strengths: Blackmon, who came out early for the draft after his junior year, has naturally strong hands to catch the ball away from his body without having to slow down. In the games we evaluated, he caught an amazing 94.6 percent of the passes thrown to him. (Vital statistics: 6-1, 207 pounds, 4.54 seconds in the 40-yard dash)

Oklahoma State was so confident in Blackmon's hands that it often put him in tough positions because it knew he could make difficult catches. This skill will serve him well in the NFL. Being able to routinely make the tough over-the-shoulder and back-shoulder catches makes Blackmon an excellent red zone target. His ability to consistently make the catch while a defender attempts to break up the pass from behind compensates for his lack of explosiveness out of cuts.

Blackmon uses his hands to subtly push off defenders to create a little space against tight man coverage. In addition, he uses his size, strength and hands to fight through a cornerback's jam to consistently and easily release off the line. He makes himself a more dangerous player when he quickly gets started upfield after the catch.

When running after the reception, his size, strength and balance, combined with his aggressive running style, make him a legitimate big-play threat. This was exemplified against Stanford early in the Fiesta Bowl, when he turned a short slant on fourth-and 4 into a 21-yard gain. That play was in the fourth quarter with three minutes to play.

Blackmon was named the game's best player, with eight passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns, and his play helped Oklahoma State rally to win in overtime.

Blackmon's effectiveness as a blocker, both on the line of scrimmage and downfield, makes him a more valuable receiver. He plays bigger than his measured size.

Having caught 232 passes the past two seasons, he proved he has the durability to stay in the lineup.

Weaknesses: Blackmon's routes are just average. Furthermore, he lacks the explosiveness out of cuts to consistently establish separation. His lack of burst out of his cuts will hinder him more against man coverage.

He lacks the acceleration to close cushion on a cornerback in an "off" alignment. He also lacks the top speed to create separation on deep routes. While he breaks tackles running after the catch, he lacks the elite speed to outrun both angles and the defense to take plays the distance.

Draft status: Blackmon will be the first receiver drafted and probably will be selected in the top six. Few receivers enter the NFL with his combination of size, strength, hands and strong run-after-the-catch ability. Blackmon was remarkably productive his final two seasons at Oklahoma State, catching 232 passes for 3,304 yards and 38 touchdowns. Blackmon's style and production is reminiscent of the Baltimore Ravens' Anquan Boldin.

If the Cleveland Browns do not draft quarterback Ryan Tannehill with the fourth overall pick, they likely will look at Blackmon or Alabama running back Trent Richardson. Blackmon would provide Colt McCoy with a big, strong receiver he could rely on in key situations.

The St. Louis Rams, with the sixth overall choice, reportedly are interested in Richardson. However, if Richardson is chosen earlier, they will give Blackmon a lot of consideration because they badly need a high-end receiver to help Sam Bradford's development.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, who own the seventh overall pick, signed veteran Laurent Robinson as a free agent. However, they would like an additional receiver to give young quarterback Blaine Gabbert another weapon. If the Jags don't take Blackmon, the Dolphins could select him at No. 8 to replace recently traded Brandon Marshall.